#gradysprings

‘David told us to find what matters most in the world, then to make that our purpose, our reason for doing the things we do. I don’t know if you two have found yours yet or not, but I can tell you that this –‘ he makes a circle with his finger, ‘ – this matters. Our family matters. Don’t go and damage this because you can’t let things go.’ Scott pins Jason with his stare. ‘Or because you can’t admit you were in any way wrong.” He looks pointedly at Coop.

Just finished Girls with Scars by April Kerner, and I need a moment to breathe because WOW. This book hit me right in the heart. 💔💖

Pen and Nate’s story is everything I love about YA—raw, emotional, and completely unputdownable. The way Pen fights to protect herself while slowly letting Nate in? The way Nate refuses to give up on her, even when she pushes him away? It’s so beautifully done. Their chemistry is insane, but what really got me was how much they see each other beyond the surface.

April Kerner just knows how to write characters that feel real—flawed, struggling, but still fighting for something better. I was hooked from page one, completely invested in these two, and by the end, my heart was shattered and full at the same time. If you love emotional YA romances that actually make you feel something, you need this book in your life.

These are headcanon ideas that I just think fit these two.

Nate teaches Pen how to shoot hoops, and she’s terrible at first but then surprises him by making a half-court shot. He’s so proud he carries her around the gym like she just won the championship.

Pen has a soft spot for stray animals. She’s secretly been feeding a scrappy little cat that hangs around the auto shop, and she’s trying to work up the courage to bring it home.

Pen has a habit of humming when she’s focused. Nate loves it because it’s the only time she seems completely at ease.

Nate is a morning person and always shows up to practice early. Coach thinks it's because he's dedicated, but really, it's because he likes the quiet of the gym before everyone else arrives.

Nate has a habit of fidgeting with a basketball or really anything ball-shaped when he's nervous or deep in thought. Pen teases him about it, but she finds it endearing.

He's terrible at keep plants alive but keeps trying because he thinks it's a metaphor for his life. Pen eventually takes over watering them for him.

Pen's favorite place in town is an old, abandoned drive-in theater. She goes there to think and sometimes drags Nate along to stargaze.

Nate starts leaving little notes for Pen in her locker. At first, they're just silly doodles or encouraging messages, but eventually, they become love letters.

Pen and Nate once got locked in the school gym overnight. They spent the time playing truth or dare and ended up falling asleep on the bleachers.

Pen has a habit of stealing Nate's hoodies, and he pretends to be annoyed but secretly loves it.

‘Some secrets aren’t meant to be told, because once they’re out, they don’t just destroy you. They destroy everyone you love.’

I swear, every time I pick up an April Kerner book, I tell myself I’ll take it slow and then end up binging the whole thing in one night. Her stories just hit different—they’re emotional, messy, and so real that I feel like I know her characters personally.

After reading Boys with Secrets, I thought, “Okay, there’s no way she can make me feel this much again.” Then I read Boys with Braces, and now I’m just sitting here, fully invested in these fictional people like they’re my actual friends. Lazar? Riley? John? I’d defend them with my life.

I love how Kerner doesn’t shy away from difficult topics but still gives us those heartwarming, swoon-worthy moments that make me believe in love again. Her writing has this effortless way of making you feel everything—the angst, the joy, the absolute devastation (because yes, I did cry).